User Review: Osprey Daylite

Summary

A versatile, lightweight day pack: on or off trail, my new day-to-day pack. Another reason Osprey is my pack brand of choice.

This is my fourth (yes, fourth) Osprey pack and it's another winner. I have 70, 50, and 36 liter packs for different occasions. The Stratos 36 is sweet for all-day hikes, but it's too large for those quick 2 hour hikes with friends. The Daylite has filled that need very nicely.

The setup of the bag is simple. It strikes a nice balance between keeping it basic and having the features that get me through. The main body is just a single compartment and a small zippered pocket at the outside top. There is a key clip (must) and a criss-cross bungee for an extra layer or flip flops for aching feet. The stopper that kept the toggle on the bungee came off a few times under high tension, so I just removed it and put an overhand knot in its place. The body fabric has been really durable and has an awesome DWR. I spilled some cola on it and it beaded like a dream and wiped with no stains.



The back panel is comfortable. There is a flat foam sheet with three raised wave panel foam pieces against your shoulder blades and lumbar. The pack isn't made to carry a lot of weight, but when you max it out with water and food, it's still comfy. The bladder sleeve is between the foam panel and the main body, so it sits outside of the compartment of the bag. I carry a 100oz Camelbak and it's large for the sleeve, so it is a bit tall and takes up some space in the main compartment. Not a deal breaker, but makes the panel rounded and weird sometimes.

The hip belt is just a 3/4" adjustable webbing strap. It's adjustable and stowable. It's not the most supportive thing, but, again, not a huge hauling pack. It's really most handy when scrambling or cycling and keeps the pack on your back nicely. The shoulder straps are light and airy and very thinly padded, and they have elastic H2O routing bands. The sternum strap is nice with an emergency whistle on the buckle.

I've read others' comments on the inadequacy of the mesh water bottle pockets. I've had some issues with my 32oz. Nalgene popping out of them, but I just use 1L water bottles from the gas station because they're narrower, taller, lighter, and it's better than trashing or even recycling them.

I also use this pack for my work bag: it holds papers just fine as well as my keys, wallet, and phone. Overall, a great bag that I'll be using for a long time.

*I am an employee at Whole Earth Provision Co. in Dallas. My views do not necessarily represent the views of Whole Earth Provision Co. or its employees. I pride myself in providing unbiased reviews of products I purchase for my personal use.